Ideas for what to do and where to stay in LA with my 10 year old son

[casanovawa]

Hi, I've asked around a few places but always happy for new ideas...

In January I am heading over to LA with my 10 year old son for a week or so, maybe split it between LA and San Diego or maybe even a bit of Big Bear lake in there as well to see some snow for his first time...

So who has been there and their kids had a really great time? He doesn't muhc like roller coasters so thinking maybe Universal Studios over Disneyland...

As far as accommodation, just looking at cheap and cheerful and not totally flushed with cash at present...

Anyway, happy to hear all ideas...

 

[Homer]

We love the oft-maligned LA and go every year or so. Last time we had a whole month in WeHo.

I think Disneyland is better for younger kids than Universal Studios so I'd suggest flipping your decision on parks. Having said that, while you can "do" Universal in a day, you can only scratch the surface of Disneyland in that time and you really need 3 days to soak it all in and tick every box (including California Adventure) so that might tip you back towards Universal given you don't have a whole bunch of time.

San Diego is very nice and, if your son has any interest in warships, the USS Midway museum is worth checking out.

I'm sorry but I can't help much with the accommodation - I like fancy hotels and on our last trip we rented a nice, modern house - so I will leave that to others.

 

[newmarket]

I'm not a theme park guy, but Disney actually is pretty magical. Go to Disneyland, you will both have a lot of fun!!

La Brea, Science Center (Space shuttle Endeavour), and I like the USS Iowa in San Pedro. San Diego Zoo....

Big Bear will be fun too.

 

[russ]

Legoland is great - it inspires imagination rather than just following along a Disney story. 10 years might be a little old though, so it depends on whether your son is into Lego.
If you go, get the fast pass thing to bypass the queues.

 

[Ralphie]

Definitely recommend La Brea Tar Pits.

 

[earlyriser]

I would recommend the Warner Brothers tour, especially if he likes Batman or Harry Potter. Santa Monica pier and San Diego Zoo are probably safe bets also.

 

[opusman]

La Brea is great.

 

[bsb]

Disney for sure over Universal, especially for a 10yo. Stay in Anaheim, there are so many accom options. Most of them have free buses to Disney. You can spend days there, he's 10, he'll love it and I guarantee he'll want to get on rollercoasters when he sees them...most are benign in Disneyland itself (not so in the second Disney park next door).

San Diego is drivable in a day and only of interest if he like warships, the zoo and SeaWorld.

Go to Long Beach and hire a bike and ride around, if he's outdoorsy. La Brea too. You'll have lots to do

 

[TomVexille]

+1 for the California Science Center

 

[MEL_Traveller]

+1 for the stay in Anaheim and for Disneyland! There is a lot more to Disney than roller coasters, lots of different rides and experiences. Disney takes a few days as others have said. Also allow a day or two just for R&R at a hotel - to catch your breath, do laundry, sleep in if you're tired. Pick a hotel/motel with a pool.

 

[docjames]

+1 Universal Studios.

Other options: Long beach to see Spruce Goose and QM. The Spruce Goose is really cool.

 

[casanovawa]

Ok, thanks everyone for these commetns, i think some of the cheaper options like the science centre and La Brea Tar pits are the go, will go to Mt Griffiths obervatory as well as have never been... I do like to take a few photos of nice architecture, is there a Getty's building or museum that isn't too far away and itneresting?

I like a few war ships and i think he will to so either the USS Midway or USS Iowa or both...

Really will be a flip of the coin as to Universal Stuido or Disneyland but neither are desperately cheap but maybe cheaper wi the Go LA Card..

I think the Zoo and Seaworld in San Diego could be goers as well...

Pity its not baseball season or i might have tried to take him to a game...

Few this will be a packed few days...

 

[cove]

We are always impressed with Getty Center as it has great architecture and contents. A pretty easy drive up the 405 North.

 

[Boca68]

+1 for the USS Iowa.

And, perhaps try to get tix for a basketball or Ice hockey game? Lakers not sure,? Probably difficult, but they are struggling. Clippers, not too hard. LA Kings are relatively easy to get. But they still can be expensive. Pity its not baseball season , as it is quite a spectacle.

Edit: also a big +1 for the Science Center (read Centre) . It is quite amazing.

 

[jb747]

+1 for the USS Iowa.

And, perhaps try to get tix for a basketball or Ice hockey game? Lakers not sure,? Probably difficult, but they are struggling. Clippers, not too hard. LA Kings are relatively easy to get. But they still can be expensive. Pity its not baseball season , as it is quite a spectacle.

Edit: also a big +1 for the Science Center (read Centre) . It is quite amazing.

Battleships and space ships. The real thing...

 

[parsonstrish]

I don't know if you will be hiring a car, I've been doing airbnb my past trips. I've found them excellent. I only choose one that has good reviews, investment apartments, not renting someone's place while they move out. If you are looking at car hire and moving around, it's doable. I find I get better choices the longer I book ahead. Much cheaper than the hotel chains I've stayed in.

 

[CaptJCool]

Always found this hotel classy yet understated. Anaheim California Hotel - Ayres Hotel Anaheim
Free breakfast. And wifi and pool - my kids counted the number of UPS trucks going by each breakfast

crystal cathedral down the road - that's a freebie
I agree with Legoland, all the theme parks are pricey especially at current exchange rates plus unless u use the hotel shuttle bus parking fees on top.
La Brea is brilliant for kids
queen Mary at Long Beach is also good for a stroll on the deck or a stay onboard
Long Beach Accommodations | QUEEN MARY HOTEL | Stay Aboard the Queen Mary Long Beach California

some great beaches eg Carlsbad between LA and San D...
spaghetti junction on the freeways

San Diego - maybe even a streetcar to the Mexican border and a short walk across into Tijuana. Eye-opening but definitely light on the wallet... Likely to see Naval vessels in the harbour

 

[Tazz]

It's been awhile since I've been to that area, but I would suggest Disney in Anaheim, there used to be Legoland too but not sure if it's still there. San Diego there's the zoo and Sea World. There's lots of accomodation near Disney. We stayed in one fairly similar to a Best Western. Wasn't expensive, was clean, friendly and walking to distance to restaurants and the park. Enjoy!

 

[Moindardt]

I would totally agree with Disneyland. The kids still say it is there favorite place in the world. We took them to Santa Monica pier and they were just bored. A place to look for LA is Magic Castle hotel. Good clean 3 star, just off Hollywood boulevard. I was told it was close to Universal but we didn't go so not too sure. Beaches are very questionable cause the water temp at most is about 12 degrees.